Fall is Around the Corner! How can Landlords Prepare for College Madness?

Every year, the summer heat fades, pumpkin spice makes its annual, cult-like comeback, the Canadian geese start to fly overhead, and something big happens in college towns across the country: the great fall migration. (Of students, not geese!) Tens of thousands of students flood into college towns across the country each September, turning quiet streets into buzzing hubs of activity almost overnight.

Population Booms Nationwide

Imagine living in a town of 100,000 people, and then 60,000 students descend in the space of a week. Roads are crowded with packed cars, emotional parents crowd the sidewalks, and students are exploring their new area. Businesses flourish with the influx of new customers, and the sleepy summertime mood quickly disappears.

Some of the towns that experience the biggest booms are in College Station, Texas, home to Texas A&M University, where nearly 75,000 students swell the city’s population during the school year. Another is Gainesville, Florida, where the University of Florida adds more than 60,000 students each fall. If you’re a local, suddenly, the grocery store is packed, coffee shops have long lines, and the buzz on the streets is palpable.

What are American Students, Studying?

1. Business: The number one choice nationwide, with about one in five students studying the topic.
2. Health Professions: Nursing, public health, and tech programs are widely popular.
3. Social Sciences: Political science, sociology, and similar degrees remain popular.
4. Biological Sciences: A choice for future researchers, doctors, and environmentalists.
5. Psychology: A top-five major nationwide

Fun fact, some of the most niche majors in the USA are: Enology (grape growing), fermentation sciences, puppetry, and bagpiping.

Study Trends per Area

In the Pacific Northwest, Pre-Business Administration and Psychology are the most common. At UC Berkeley, and across California, Engineering, Political Science, and Molecular Biology top the list. New England and New York are known for schools that cater to healthcare, law and the arts. In Ann Arbour, Michigan, and across the Midwest, Computer Science and Economics are big alongside finance degrees. The Deep South has the highest concentration of agricultural majors across the nation.

Are you a Landlord in a College Town?

Students can provide a flux of guaranteed income for the school year, and the best way to maximize this is to advertise effectively, well before the school year begins. A poll of landlords on apartments.com has agreed that the best time to advertise for the coming fall season is as early as April or May, to secure the right tenants and ensure a smooth property transition.

Top Search Landlord Search Recommendations for Listing on Roomies:

1. Make sure to include a range of accepted budgets and have clear contract terms (refunds, payments due, etc.)
2. Be clear on additional expenditures (for example: utilities, any added fees such as payment processing)
3. Have flexible leasing terms (for example: allowing subletters)
4. Allow cosigners; most college students will need to know this up front.
5. Local amenities-really show off your property’s location and benefits for out-of-towners!
6. Listings should have clear photos and be sure to stay active on the platform to answer any questions.
7. If you do not perform your own maintenance, have trusted contractors (and a few back-ups on hand!) for those maintenance emergencies that will inevitably pop up. Frozen pipes or a flooded basement can cause a lot of issues.
8. Be sure to help residents stay independent and care for the property. Shovels, brooms, and driveway salt are thoughtful touches to keep them afloat with bad weather and for light property maintenance.

Are you a Student Seeking Fall Housing? Here are our Top Search Recommendations:

1. Know your budget-deposit included.
2. Try our team-ups feature! It can take the hassle out of the search
3. Figure out your finances early and be ready to make a deposit to secure your dream place.
4. Always visit a property, check out safety features, commute times, and parking.
5. Double-check if pets are allowed if you’re a pet owner.

Are you a Full-Time College Town Resident?

Your favorite café will be more crowded, but it might also stay open later. Your library loans might have a longer wait, but the vibe will be great. Rental prices jump up in July/August, so if you are a permanent resident of a college town, try to plan your moves outside of the typical student migration cycles. Students, start the hunt early, especially in smaller towns. Landlords-be sure to follow our tips above!